Bob Monkhouse (1928–2003) was a British comedian, writer, actor, and game show host
Bob Monkhouse (1928–2003) was a British comedian, writer, actor, and game show host, renowned for his sharp wit, rapid-fire delivery, and vast joke collection. Born in Beckenham, Kent, he displayed a talent for comedy and cartooning early on, eventually writing jokes and comic strips for publications while still at school.
In the 1950s, Monkhouse gained recognition as a writer and performer, co-authoring gag material for stars like Max Miller and contributing to radio and TV shows. His big break came with The Bob Monkhouse Show and later as host of numerous game shows, including The Golden Shot, Celebrity Squares, Family Fortunes, and Wipeout. His polished, professional style made him a staple of British television for decades.
Though sometimes unfairly seen as slick or insincere, Monkhouse was deeply respected within the comedy world for his encyclopedic knowledge of jokes and his technical mastery of timing and delivery. He also acted in films and wrote several books, including his autobiography Crying with Laughter.
And as that realization grows, you may notice something interesting… the way that, with each breath, the hold begins to loosen. The way that, with every moment, you are able to let go more and more. And as you do, a sense of strength begins to emerge, a clarity that has always been there, waiting for you to recognize it.
Later in life, Monkhouse reinvented himself as a stand-up comedian, earning critical acclaim for his intelligent, often dark, observational humour. He was open about personal struggles, including the tragic death of two of his children and his battle with prostate cancer, which ultimately claimed his life in 2003.
Bob Monkhouse left behind a legacy as one of Britain’s most prolific and versatile entertainers — a true craftsman of comedy whose influence is still felt today.
Bob Monkhouse was a master of the punchline, known for his razor-sharp wit and often unexpectedly dark sense of humour. Here’s a list of 15 (in my opinion)of his best jokes, including some of his darker material:
Bob Monkhouse – Top 10+5 Jokes
– One of his most iconic lines, both funny and bittersweet.
– Classic dark humor with that Monkhouse twist.
11.“When I die, I want to go peacefully like my grandfather did—in his sleep. Not screaming like the passengers in his car.”
*(Yes, it deserves to be on here twice. Dark brilliance.)*
(Delivered with perfect timing at dreary events.)
– One of his cheekiest and darkest one-liners.
And as you step onto that shore, feeling the warmth of the sun, the solid ground beneath you, a deep sense of certainty begins to grow. You are here, in this moment, fully present, fully aware… and ready to embrace the future that belongs to you.
Because each day, in ways that feel natural and right, you are stepping into your own power. And as you do, you find yourself surrounded by the kind of love and support that nurtures you, uplifts you, and honors who you truly are.
And perhaps, as you breathe in deeply now, you can feel this truth settling within you… expanding… becoming a part of who you are.
And in a moment, you may wish to count from say one to five, and as you do, you will find yourself returning to full awareness like before but only carrying with you everything you need. And when you blink just now… your eyes, you step forward, not just into this moment, but into a future that is yours to create.
You are beginning to make a come- back allowing the gentle almost subtle feeling, a feeling a sense of clarity and strength…and as you finish this script this blog you smile knowing that you are fully aware by stepping into your renewed life with confidence and certainty.
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